Dana Point Planning Commission Chairman Gary Newkirk, Vice Chairperson Liz Claus and commission members Susan Whittaker and April O’Connor are to be highly commended for the thoughtful and professional manner in which they conducted the multiple meetings regarding the application for The Doheny Hotel.

They were thorough, fair and demonstrated a complete understanding of the issues regarding this project and the impact it would have on our city. Density, traffic, parking, loading and unloading, noise and, above all, safety of our streets were discussed at length. Proponents of the project, as well as concerned citizens that opposed it, were heard and their input considered.

Our commissioners’ decision to reject the special variances requested by the applicant was the right decision for our city and they had the prescience to recognize this.

I am very proud to be represented by fair and honest public servants who are true to their oath to uphold the city’s statutes and regulations. They deserve every resident’s heartfelt thanks and respect.

Related Posts

comments (3)

My wife and I are new residents to Dana Point and immediately became aware of the plans for the hotel when we moved here about two months ago. I’ve followed it closely and am also very happy with the decision to reject the variance request. This is a great town. We love it here and are really enjoying pretty much everything about it.

Dear John: I disagree, the commission experts are not ‘thoughtful’. IN RE your QUOTE: “John Hazelrigg, Dana Point “Gary Newkirk, Liz Claus, Susan Whittaker, April O’Connor are to be highly commended for the thoughtful … “

Dear John: I disagree, IN RE your QUOTE: “ I am very proud to be represented by fair and honest public servants who are true to their oath … to uphold the city’s statutes and regulations. “

The examples of past dishonesty, without integrity, unfair representatives to the point of dishonesty. The Planning Commission / Council is to blame for all overbuilding. The Stands should never have been taken from O.C. citizens. This is a disgrace for these land owners, homeowners could have been given a very sweet deal to locate their dreams on top of the Headlands while preserving the most precious D.P. beach environments. It is ‘as if’ the Planning Commission works for “Land Barons” and to hell with the environment – … remember, the environment that we hold so precious, to hotel business and all business. John; your comments are without example. Our community now faces a fight to save our Harbor views, emotional impacts of very precious environments are being traded so O.C. Supervisors can raise rents. THIS IS absolute B.S.
There is no “fair and honest” anything. All Builders think they can steal the Dana Point high quality of life, and let the other guys stick to the rules of consideration, smart expansion and tasteful remodeling. You are the disgrace John, for suggesting such a thing. All GOP members running for office this season should be shot down for the exact ‘subjects of discussion, their record, their actions’ you hail as ‘good behavior’!? In summary, the Rome we once knew is burning, and all truly good men and women should come to the aid of their country and what is left of our beautiful city. Just stop.